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NAMAKWA EASTER 2014

The Namakwa region of the Northern Cape province offers the perfect getaway during the upcoming Easter holiday period.

Fitness fanatics can tackle the Oorlogskloof Mountain and Gorge Run outside Nieuwoudtville on Saturday, 26 April 2014.  This epic race is the second in the Quantum Country Classic Series and is definitely not for the faint hearted.  The route is both remote and challenging and traverses deep gorges and cliffs.  The breathtakingly beautiful scenery of cracked mountains,  plateaus covered in Cape Sugar bush and large Waboom trees, massive rock pillars, caverns, rock arches with ancient rock art and moon-crater like sandstone rock slabs is guaranteed to put this race in a league of its own.  The race distances vary between 5 and 18km routes for solo runners and 42km and 52km routes for pairs of runners.

Accommodation options include camping or a dorm-style thatched hut on the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve or at guest houses, bed & breakfast and self-catering establishments in nearby Nieuwoudtville.  Participants will also have the chance to sample authentic Namakwa cuisine with a lamb potjie served for lunch and a traditional braai with freshly baked breads and salads for dinner.

Located a mere four hours’ drive from Cape Town, the town of Nieuwoudtville is aptly called the place of hidden treasures.  While in the area, be sure to stop at the amazing Nieuwoudtville waterfalls, the quiver tree forest as well as the Nieuwoudtville Wild Flower Reserve and the Hantam National Botanical Garden.  Pop in at the Blikbazaar coffee shop for a light meal or something sweet or visit Die Waenhuis Restaurant of the farm Papkuilsfontein.

Whilst in the area, take a Sho’t Left to AfrikaBurn, a festival aimed at building a temporary community through collaborative arts projects.  The festival takes place in a completely non-commercial environment at the Tankwa Karoo National Park from 28 April to 4 May and a transient city of art, theme camps, costume, music and performance is created for the duration.  The prevailing “gift economy” means that here is no commercial exchange at the event – no vending, no cash bars and no branded promotion of services or products.

Attending AfrikaBurn is an exercise in total self-reliance as participants camp for four days and have to be completely self-sufficient by providing their own water, shelter and catering needs.   Participation and social interaction form the core of AfrikaBurn and no spectators are allowed.

The Tankwa Karoo National Park is one of six national parks located in the Northern Cape province. Situated within the Succulent Karoo Biome, the area is renowned for its rare and endemic plant species, rich birdlife and incredibly diverse landscapes.  It is the perfect place for stargazing, bird-watching and complete relaxation.  The park offers two fairly challenging 4×4 trails and several other tracks. Accommodation options range from cottages and guesthouses to developed camp sites and informal camping areas.

For more information, visit www.www.experiencenortherncape.com.  Download the Northern Cape Tourism mobi guide to find more interesting places to visit in the Northern Cape.   Use the following link to access the iPhone and Android versions of the Northern Cape Tourism travel guide: http://www.tourismradiocityguide.com/app/northern-cape-tourism/.